THEY DON’T WASTE TIME FEELING SORRY FOR THEMSELVES
Self-pity is easily the most destructive of the non-pharmaceutical narcotics; it is addictive, gives momentary pleasure and separates the victim from reality. JOHN GARDNER
During the weeks that followed Jack’s accident, his mother couldn’t stop talking about the “horrible incident.”
Every day she recounted the story about how both of Jack’s legs were broken when he was hit by a school bus.
She felt guilty that she wasn’t there to protect him, and seeing him in a wheelchair for several weeks
was almost more than she could bear.
Although doctors had predicted a complete recovery, she repeatedly warned Jack that his legs may never fully heal.
She wanted him to be aware that he may not be able to play soccer or run around like the other kids ever again, just in case there was a problem.
Although his doctors had medically cleared him to return to school, his parents decided that Jack’s mother would quit her job and homeschool him for the remainder of the year.
They felt that seeing and hearing school buses each day might trigger too many bad memories.
They also wanted to spare him from having to watch idly from his wheelchair as his friends played at recess.
They hoped that staying home would help Jack heal faster, both emotionally and physically.